The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Tilefish Monitoring Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be held via webinar.

The purpose of the meeting is for the Tilefish Monitoring Committee to discuss management measures for both golden and blueline tilefish.

Webinar Information

• Click here to join the meeting. If prompted, enter Meeting number: 2334 069 7427; Password: TilefishMC

• For phone only access: 1-415-655-0001; Access Code: 2334 069 7427. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

Agenda

Blueline Tilefish

• Staff Memo: Updated Blueline Tilefish Recreational VTR Data 

• 2024 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

• 2024 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• Staff Memo: Blueline Tilefish Specifications for 2025

Golden Tilefish

• 2024 Golden Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

• 2024 Golden Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• Staff Memo: 2025-2027 Golden Tilefish Specifications Recommendations

• Draft 2024 Golden Tilefish Management Track Assessment Report

The Tilefish Advisory Panel will meet Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss recent performance of the blueline and golden tilefish commercial and recreational fisheries and develop Fishery Performance Reports.

Staff Contacts: José Montañez (302-526-5258, jmontanez@mafmc.org) or Hannah Hart (302-526-5263, hhart@mafmc.org)

Webinar Information

• Click here to join the meeting (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2344 422 5651; Password: Tilefish2024). After you connect, you will have the option to choose whether to use your phone or computer microphone and speakers for audio.

• For phone only access: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 2344 422 5651. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• 2024 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• 2024 Golden Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• Last Year’s Fishery Performance Reports:

• 2023 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

• 2023 Golden Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

The Assessment Oversight Panel (AOP) will meet on April 4, 2024 to review the stock assessment plan for the golden tilefish management track assessment and recommend the appropriate level of peer review. Please note that the AOP meeting for other June 2024 management track assessment stocks will be held on February 28.

An agenda and other details will be posted at the link below prior to the meeting. This meeting is open to the public.

*** Please note that stock assessment meetings are hosted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Webinar connection information for these meetings is only available on the meeting page (linked above) and will not be posted on the Council calendar. ***

Background Information

Management track assessments provide updated catch advice on a regular schedule. The schedule varies by species.  These assessments begin with a previously approved assessment model and a plan to carry forward an updated assessment with possible changes to the data or parameters in the model.

The AOP is responsible for reviewing and approving management track assessment plans and recommending the appropriate level of peer review for each management track assessment. The AOP is composed of four members: a member of the Mid-Atlantic Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), a member of the New England Council’s SSC, a member of the ASMFC Assessment Science Committee, and the NEFSC Chief of the Populations Dynamics Branch.

During this meeting, the lead assessment scientist for each species will present the assessment plans to the AOP. The AOP will then recommend the level of peer review appropriate for each assessment. There are three levels of management track peer review:

• Level 1: direct delivery (i.e., no peer review) of simple data and model updates;

• Level 2: expedited peer review of updates with some changes to the model or data streams; or

• Level 3: enhanced peer review of updates with extensive changes. 

After the AOP meets and makes its recommendations, the assessment leads will then carry out the management track assessment within the scope of the approved plan for each stock.

A peer review meeting will be held at the end of the process to review the Level 2 and 3 assessments.

Additional information about stock assessments is available on the Council’s Stock Assessments page and on the NOAA Fisheries website.

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Golden Tilefish Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Golden Tilefish Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Golden Tilefish Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Golden Tilefish Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Golden Tilefish Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Golden Tilefish Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Tilefish Monitoring Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held via webinar.

The purpose of the meeting is for the Tilefish Monitoring Committee to review previously adopted 2024 commercial and recreational catch limits for both blueline and golden tilefish and recommend changes as appropriate.

Webinar Information

• Click here to join the meeting (If prompted, enter Meeting number: 2342 086 3622). After you connect, you will have the option to choose whether to use your phone or computer microphone and speakers for audio.

• For phone only access: 1-415-655-0001; Access Code: 2342 086 3622. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Golden Tilefish

  • 2023 Fishery Performance Report

  • 2023 Fishery Information Document

  • Staff Memo

  • 2023 NEFSC Data Update for Golden Tilefish

• Blueline Tilefish

  • 2023 Fishery Performance Report

  • 2023 Fishery Information Document

  • Staff Memo

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Golden Tilefish Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Golden Tilefish Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

The Tilefish Advisory Panel will meet Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss recent performance of the blueline and golden tilefish commercial and recreational fisheries and develop Fishery Performance Reports. These reports will be considered by the Scientific and Statistical Committee, the Monitoring Committee, and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council when reviewing 2024 catch and landings limits and management measures for blueline and golden tilefish.

Questions? Contact José Montañez (302-526-5258, jmontanez@mafmc.org) or Hannah Hart (302-526-5263, hhart@mafmc.org)

Webinar Information

• Click here to join the meeting (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2335 982 0534; Password: Tilefish2023). After you connect, you will have the option to choose whether to use your phone or computer microphone and speakers for audio.

• For phone only access: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 2335 982 0534 Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• 2023 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• 2023 Golden Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• Golden Tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps, data update through 2022 in the Middle Atlantic-Southern New England Region

• Last Year’s Fishery Performance Reports:

  • 2022 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

  • 2022 Golden Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Golden Tilefish Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Black Sea Bass Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Golden Tilefish Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

The Council is holding a joint meeting with our Tilefish AP and Communications and Outreach AP to discuss ways to improve angler awareness of the tilefish permit and reporting requirements. Webinar details are posted below. Supporting documents and additional details will be posted at a later date.

Webinar Information

• Click here to join the September 28 Joint Communications and Outreach and Tilefish Advisory Panel meeting  (if prompted, enter Meeting number: 2337 519 8806; Meeting password: Tilefish). After you connect, you will have an opportunity to choose whether you want to use your phone or computer mic/speakers for audio.

• For telephone-only access, dial +1-415-655-0001 (US Toll) and enter access code 2337 519 8806.

Meeting Materials

• Recreational Tilefish Permitting and Reporting - Outreach Overview

• GARFO Outreach Flyer and Rack Card

Supplemental:

• MAFMC recreational tilefish permitting and reporting web page

Staff Contact: Hannah Hart - hhart@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5263

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Tilefish Monitoring Committee will hold a public webinar meeting on Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held via webinar.

The purpose of the meeting is for the Tilefish Monitoring Committee to review and, if necessary, revise the 2023 recommended annual catch limits, trip limits, discards and other management measures for the blueline and golden tilefish fisheries.

Webinar Information

• Join the Webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting number (access code): 2346 506 6842, Password: TFMCMar2022)

• Join by Phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll, Access Code: 2346 506 6842

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

Golden Tilefish

• 2022 Golden Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

• 2022 Golden Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• Staff Memo on 2023 Golden Tilefish Specifications

Blueline Tilefish

• 2022 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• 2022 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

• Staff Memo to SSC on 2023 Blueline Tilefish ABC

The Tilefish Advisory Panel will meet Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to develop the 2022 Fishery Performance Reports (FPR; produced by the Advisory Panel Members). The intent of the FPRs is to facilitate a venue for structured input from the Advisory Panel members for the Golden and Blueline Tilefish specifications processes, including recommendations by the Council and its Scientific and Statistical Committee. A meeting agenda and background information will be posted on this page about one week before the meeting.

Questions? Contact José Montañez (302-526-5258, jmontanez@mafmc.org) or Jason Didden (302-526-5254, jdidden@mafmc.org)

Webinar Information

• Click here to join the meeting (If prompted, enter Meeting number: 2330 922 3740; Meeting password: StEQma2c3k2)

• Please connect your audio through your computer, telephone, or other device by following the prompts that appear after opening the webinar. If you must join by phone only, you may dial dial +1-415-655-0001 and enter access code 2330 922 3740. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or other device.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• 2022 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• 2022 Golden Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• Last year’s Fishery Performance Reports:

  • 2021 Golden Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

  • 2021 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Tilefish Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Webinar connection instructions are below. The purpose of the meeting is for the Tilefish Monitoring Committee to review and possibly revise the 2022 annual catch limits, trip limits, discard estimates, and other management measures for the golden tilefish fishery, and to set new specifications for the golden tilefish fishery for 2023 and 2024.

Staff Contact: José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258

Meeting Materials

• Meeting Agenda

• Staff Memo: 2022-2024 Golden Tilefish Specification Recommendations

• 2021 Golden Tilefish Management Track Stock Assessment Report

• 2021 Golden Tilefish Advisory Panel Fishery Performance Report

• 2021 Golden Tilefish Fishery Information Document (version 2)

Webinar Instructions

• Click Here to Join the Webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 173 171 7317; Password: m2UfJ53QhS3)

• Audio Options: Participants can use their computer mic/speakers or telephone for webinar audio. Once you have joined the webinar at the link above, you will be able to select your audio options. If you have an unstable internet connection, we recommend using the “call in” option. To use your phone to connect to audio, first sign into the webinar link above, then look for the “call in” option (if you don’t see this, look for the “use computer audio” button, which will have a little down arrow next to it that you can click on – that should bring up the “call in” option). That will give you a prompt with the phone number, access code, and Attendee ID#. Please make sure to use the Attendee ID# on your screen, as that will allow us to identify you on our end.

• Phone-Only Access: 1-844-621-3956 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 173 171 7317
  Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

The Tilefish Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The purpose of this meeting is for the Tilefish Monitoring Committee to set blueline tilefish specifications for 2022-2024. The Monitoring Committee will review annual catch limits, trip limits, discard estimates, and other management measures for only the blueline tilefish fishery. Contact Matt Seeley with any questions (mseeley@mafmc.org).

Webinar Information

• Webinar Link: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/tf2021mc/

• Call-in: 1-800-832-0736; Room #: 5068609

Briefing Materials

• Meeting Agenda

• Staff Memo: 2022-2024 Blueline Tilefish ABC recommendations

• 2021 Blueline Tilefish Advisory Panel Fishery Information Document

• 2021 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

The Assessment Oversight Panel (AOP) will meet by webinar on Thursday, February 25, 2021 to review the species-specific stock assessment plans for the June 2021 Management Track process and recommend the level of peer review necessary for each assessment. The following MAFMC-managed stocks will be assessed as part of the June 2021 Management Track process:

• Atlantic mackerel

• Black sea bass

• Bluefish

• Golden tilefish

• Scup

• Summer flounder

Meeting Details

Please visit the February 25 AOP Meeting page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details. This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Management track assessments provide updated catch advice on a regular schedule. The schedule varies by species. Each year there are two management track assessment peer reviews (one in June and one in September) that encompass several species. These assessments begin with a previously approved assessment model and a plan to carry forward an updated assessment with possible changes to the data or parameters in the model.

The AOP is responsible for reviewing and approving management track assessment plans and recommending the appropriate level of peer review for each management track assessment. The AOP is composed of four members: a member of the Mid-Atlantic Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), a member of the New England Council’s SSC, a member of the ASMFC Assessment Science Committee, and the NEFSC Chief of the Populations Dynamics Branch.

During this meeting, the lead assessment scientist for each species will present the assessment plans to the AOP. The AOP will then recommend the level of peer review appropriate for each assessment. There are three levels of management track peer review:

• Level 1: direct delivery (i.e., no peer review) of simple data and model updates;

• Level 2: expedited peer review of updates with some changes to the model or data streams; or

• Level 3: enhanced peer review of updates with extensive changes. 

After the AOP meets and makes its recommendations, the assessment leads will then carry out the management track assessment within the scope of the approved plan for each stock.

A peer review meeting will be held at the end of the process to review the Level 2 and 3 assessments. For the June 2021 Management Track assessments, the peer review meeting is scheduled for June 28 - July 2, 2021.

Additional information about stock assessments is available on the Council’s Stock Assessments page and on the NOAA Fisheries website.